Cragg Vale is gearing up for Le Tour. Mayor Cllr Timbers helped start off the mammoth task of hanging bunting along Britain's longest continual incline and one of the biggest challenges for the cyclists on the 6th. Read more(1 July)

In January 2013, it was announced that the Tour de France will be starting in Yorkshire and coming through Hebden Bridge on Day Two.

On 6 July 2014, the greatest cycling race in the world will travel through Yorkshire, with Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Cragg Vale hosting many miles of the Tour.

Cycling up the Buttress - September 2013

Stage Two starts in York, goes via Harrogate and Keighley to Hebden Bridge. The maillot jaune (yellow jersey) will lead the peloton (main cluster of cyclists) down the Keighley Road, through Hebden Bridge to Mytholmroyd and up through Cragg Vale, along the longest continuous incline in England. (ascending 272 metres over 5 miles)

The Tour will enter Calderdale at Cock Hill, descend into Hebden Bridge and through Mytholmroyd before climbing up Cragg Vale, the longest continuous uphill climb in England.

Cllr Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council said: "This is a fantastic, once in a lifetime event for Calderdale. To have such a prestigious event on our doorstep is an amazing opportunity.

"On 6 July the eyes of the world will be on us, enjoying our stunning landscapes and witnessing our great cycling challenges. Like many people, I can't wait for next summer!"

Passing through Hebden Bridge on their
way to John O'Groats - April 2013

Over 188 countries broadcast the Tour de France to a worldwide audience of three billion people. It is estimated that Calderdale will receive 160,000 visitors on the race day alone.